Pate McMichael, a veteran journalist and campaigner for open records and public information, will direct the North Carolina Open Government Coalition (NCOGC) and Sunshine Center. He will also teach journalism at Elon University’s School of Communications. He begins this post on Monday, Sept. 16.
McMichael will work with the coalition’s board on strategic planning to educate North Carolinans about open government legislation and democracy’s importance of openness as NCOGC director.
He will manage the Open Government hotline and email, membership communications and fundraising, financial administration, and the organization’s annual statewide summit and other seminars. McMichael will teach needed courses for Elon’s communications majors and journalism department in January.
McMichael joined the group to empower citizens to hold government leaders and agencies responsible and equip student journalists to enlighten and educate their communities.
He stated, “The coalition’s indispensable work provides a public service for the state’s vibrant democracy.” I see an opportunity to grow our influence by strengthening media connections and gaining more financing to continue the coalition as a journalist.
As an instructor, I can incorporate the coalition’s work into Elon’s famed experiential-learning curriculum. I think the coalition can help the community and North Carolina democracy in many ways.”
McMichael, from Washington, Georgia, a small town between Athens and Augusta, brings journalism and teaching expertise to Elon. He worked as a journalist, college professor, and student media adviser for 20 years after getting bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia and Missouri-Columbia.
Georgia College, a public liberal arts university, and California State University, Chico, where he mentored The Orion, were his journalism teaching institutions.
During his time, his students were recognized nationally, regionally, and statewide McMichael was associate director of the University of Arizona School of Journalism most recently.
McMichael is the author of several books, including “Klandestine: How a Klan Lawyer and a Checkbook Journalist Helped James Earl Ray Cover Up His Crime” (Chicago Review Press, 2015) and “Operation Chrysler: Stolen Valor Behind Enemy Lines During World War II” (2019). He also freelances for Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Bitter Southerner, and others.
“We are thrilled that Pate has agreed to lead the N.C. Open Government Coalition,” said McClatchy chief news officer and coalition board president Robyn Tomlin.
“His unique experiences in journalism, education, and organizational leadership made him the perfect person to lead the coalition’s work to educate and advocate for transparent accountability by government agencies of every size and shape in our state.”
Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications, praised McMichael’s hiring, citing his support for open government and journalism background.
Gaither said Elon’s School of Communications is proud to host the N.C. Open Government Coalition (“Open and transparent government is essential to democracy”).
“With Pate’s professional expertise, academic achievements, and dedication to teaching, the coalition can effectively and positively support North Carolina’s political and civic landscape. We are pleased to introduce Pate, a distinguished media law and free speech educator, to our community.
McMichael aims to teach Elon students about journalism, which he loves.
“Training student journalists to seek public records/access and build stories around those disclosures has been one of my greatest joys,” he stated. I see expanding that objective across a state as a major challenge and fantastic potential.
I understand how difficult this space is. My work begins with resources and allies, which are essential for success. Not only must we educate and advocate, but also bring results.”
North Carolina Open Government Coalition
Since 2007, the group and its Sunshine Center have been at Elon’s School of Communications. The nonprofit and nonpartisan coalition promotes public access to government. The Sunshine Center educates citizens on government transparency, their rights, and their access rights, and promotes open government.
The group promotes transparency and public access to government information and proceedings. It also promotes knowledgeable citizens, essential to democracy. Visit the coalition website for details.